Contentious politics as a perspective for the study of educational policy

Abstract

In this article, we aim to discuss how the perspective of contentious politics can enrich studies on educational policy by focusing on actors, organizations, and processes of social mobilization in scenarios of political conflict. We seek to redefine the notion of education, and therefore of educational policy, where the centrality of the State ceases to be a univocal element in the destiny of education, instead positioning itself as another participant in the arena of ideological and political struggle. First, we raise the importance of exploring new approaches to this field of research, considering that education extends beyond the school system, being a multi-referential, dynamic, and therefore constantly transforming sphere. Subsequently, we discuss the theoretical and conceptual challenges, as well as the analytical possibilities, through several works that have put forward very interesting proposals in this field of study. Finally, we present examples of research that attempt to propose theoretical and methodological approaches articulated with other disciplinary frameworks, empirically demonstrating their applications to specific objects of study. In a final reflection, we maintain that making conflicts visible and placing actors, organizations, and processes in conflict are fundamental to broadening the perspective of educational policy, helping to analyze the tensions surrounding educational projects that clash between the official stance and social demands.